Creating a blog is still the simplest and practical way to share your knowledge with other people. The proof of this is that there are blogs above all and any kind of subject, from news about celebrities to advanced engineering.
The good news is that anyone can create a blog, even without understanding programming or design. If you follow the step-by-step, we prepare, you will get to build your blog from scratch faster than you imagine.
The idea is that while you read this post, we make the blog together! When we finish you will have a list and you will be prepared to be a professional blogger.
And at the end of the text, if that were not enough, you will see advice on how to make money with your blog.
Let’s start?
Table of Contents
- Select the subject
- Choose and record the name
- Buy the domain
- Choose between free service or hosting server
- Understand why WordPress is the best option
- Install WordPress
- Customize the Blog
- Know the main options of the WordPress menu
- Make the first entry
- Start earning money with the blog
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Select the subject
If you have already chosen the subject about which you will speak, feel comfortable to jump this stage. If you are still in doubt, we have some tips that can help you.
Talk about the topics that you like
To be a blogger you do not need to have a degree title on the subject, it is enough that you have some experience in the area. A site about cooking does not need to be done by a chef, for example. Anyone who has skills in the kitchen can publish the recipes of it.
Talk about topics related to your product
If you sell a product and your goal is to generate income from the blog, it is interesting that your publications are used to educate your audience about the product you sell.
You should not create a blog to sell the product directly, people do not like this approach, it is more likely to getaway!
Therefore, use your blog to teach interesting things that will attract the attention of your readers, that is, relevant and valuable issues that have to do with what you sell.
Talk about topics that are from the interest of people
Before creating a blog it is important to know if people are interested in that topic. Search on social networks, read comments on other blogs, and use tools like Google Trends to discover what users are at the time.
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Choose and record the name
A good name is the one who, when people pass a quick look, manages to create an immediate association with the subject you are talking about. It should also be simple and easy to write so that users are eased so much to find the blog and to recommend it to friends.
Another suggestion that helps a lot is to avoid generic names, such as www.vehiculo.com (fictitious URL). At the same time for the high competition for that term, it does not say much about what you turn on the blog (car repairs, brands, races).
The ideal is to find the balance between a simple name and that, at the same time, make clear about what its content is, such as
www.daravision.net (again fictitious URL).
After choosing the name, visit register.com or godaddy.com to know if that domain is already in use. The query is free and it does not take longer than a few seconds. Picture of the Godaddy menu where you can choose and register a name and domain.
If there is already a registered domain with the name you want, you can go making changes, but always keep your original idea, such as inserting an item before the name, for example, www.losenamoradosdecochesantiguos.com, or using strokes to separate Words, such as www.guia-auto.com.
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Buy the domain
Some entrepreneurs already have their domain, in this case, just add the blog page, for example, QServers
If this is not your case, you will have to register your domain to make sure other people cannot use it.
We suggest that you always look for the .com domains first because they appear first in the search engines. In addition, you can also choose .NET and .org, there are variations, such as.EU domains for European Web projects.
Be careful when using very specific domains, such as those with city codes. This will make it more difficult to expand your business in the future.
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Choose between free service or hosting server
The hosting server is the company that will put your blog in the air, with all the pages and functionalities you need.
For this, we indicate HostGator or qservers.net but feel comfortable choosing any service compatible with WordPress, it is safe and easy to administer.
– But, I do not have money to invest, what do I do?
It is also possible to create a blog without hiring a server, using free platform functionalities such as WordPress, Blogger, or Tumblr, but it is important to know that this choice can bring some disadvantages, such as:
1) You cannot choose the name of your domain
When you decide to create a free blog, your URL contains, obligatorily, the name of the platform in which it is hosted, for example, www.platesycacerolas.wordpress.com.
2) You cannot register on Google Ads
This option does not allow publishing Google Ads ads, which is one of the main ways to generate income as a Blogger.
3) You are not the owner of your blog
That same thing, although you do not believe it! As your blog is hosted on someone’s server, you may wake up one day and your page has been deleted without prior notice.
4) Transmit an unprofessional image
Having a free blog gives the impression that you do not value the content that is published there. And if you do not value it, why would other people do it?
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Understand why WordPress is the best option to create a blog
If you have understood that the best option for your blog is the hosting server, the time has come to choose the software that will work, also known as CMS (Content System Management or Content Management System).
It is that program that will allow you to modify the appearance of the blog, create pages, links, and insert images, for the fact that the content is more attractive and friendly to your readers.
Most online tutorials indicate WordPress for CMS and, in our case, it will not be different, in the end, 28% of all Internet sites use this service. Even this one here!
In addition to being simple and easy to navigate, WordPress offers countless options of topics and plugins, which make it the best option for any type of blog.
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Install WordPress
The installation of WordPress is very simple, you only need a web server compatible with the PHP language and a MySQL database.
– But I have no idea what that is, what do I do?
Do not worry, I will explain it to you!
In simple terms, the server is nothing more than a “supercomputer” that will make all your blog work. In it, you will also be saved all the images you will use in the entries in a folder very similar to those you have on your computer.
And the database? Imagine that the database is a box. Inside that box, you will put all the information and configurations of your blog. All entrances will also be inside it.
So far, all right?
– And finally, how do I install WordPress on the server?
Most servers already have the “One Click Install” option from WordPress, but if the procedure does not work, you can also install the CMS manually.
As we suggest two accommodation options, previously, we separated the WordPress installation tutorial both at Hostgator or qservers in Nigeria and Weber Enterprise.
If you have chosen another accommodation service, there is no problem! You just have to download the WordPress files here. All you need to do is embed these files on your server using an FTP client (you can use FileZilla) and then configure the database with PHPMyAdmin. For more details, click here.
Plugins that can be useful at the beginning
With the help of plugins, you can get your blog more friendly, fast, and safe for the user. The best part is that most are free and simple to install!
We have prepared a list with some plugins options for who is starting to blog now!
Monster Insights.
This plugin allows you to connect your blog with Google Analytics and extract data as “number of visitors per month”, “more visited entries” and “Readers’ time at each entry”, among other information, which serve to optimize your content and continue to attract more visitors every month.
Yoast SEO.
As the name itself already says, Yoast SEO focuses on the optimization of your content so that you get better rankings. The plugin suggests that you choose a keyword for your content and make a brief description, as well as show you a preview of how the entry will appear on the search tools.
It also analyzes your entry to find improvement opportunities.
Autoptimize
AutoPtimize will remove all that is not necessary for your operation from your site. In summary, your blog will work faster without you needing the help of a developer.
Floating social bar
The more people share your texts, the greater the blog traffic, its exhibition, and, consequently, your profits. To help you enhance that number, there is the Social Bar Plugin, which allows you to share your tickets on the main social networks, such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and Google +.
Ewww Image Optimizer
This plugin is going to compact the images of your blog by making them lighter, which results in speed, which in turn favors your positioning in the search rankings.
How much does the maintenance of a blog cost
Many people leave the idea of creating a professional blog, due to investment. However, the only expenses you will need to do are with the purchase of domain and accommodation service. Both have plans options for all pockets: monthly, quarterly, annual, etc.
We recommend working with the annual plan, because the investment is less, proportionally, and you get a good cost-benefit since you will have the service for longer.
In addition to the price, it is important to consider the time of duration of the contract. One month is very little, while one year is a period enough to know if your blog has the potential or not to become a source of income.
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Customize the Blog
From the moment you access the administrator area of your blog, it is possible to make any changes to be seen as you wish.
WordPress has a repository of free topics, and any of them can be installed with just a few clicks.
Image of WordPress themes, one of the best platforms to create a blog.
The theme includes everything that refers to the appearance of your page, including colors, menu arrangement, the source used in titles, etc.
To change the blog theme, simply click on the “Appearance” button, in the menu on the left of your page.
Unless you have a very specific design in mind, any of the options offered free will take care of you very well. Just be careful to choose a subject aligned with what you intend to address.
A blog on minimalism, for example, asks for a more sober design, with colors like black and white, as well as a simpler menu.
If you do not like the options offered by WordPress, you can install your topic.
Simply click on the “Appearance” button, and then “Add new”.
A good topic should be:
Simple
If your blog is very confusing, you will surely have more difficulty attracting readers and retaining those you already have, which will impact your conversion rates.
Responsive
Nowadays are more users who access the Internet from mobile devices than from desktops and laptops. That is why the chosen theme of your blog must easily adjust to different screen sizes and mobile devices.
Fast
Even though most of the topics will not affect the speed of your blog, it is important to carry out some tests. After all, nobody likes to enter slow websites, right?
Check the speed of the URL of your blog in tools such as Google and Gtmetrix Page Speed Insights. It should not last more than 3 seconds.
- Know the main options of the WordPress menu
After finishing creating a blog, you must know each of the options available in the menu.
Desk
To that page, you access after logging into the administrator.
In it, you find a list that contains the most recent entries, as well as other information. Its appearance is as follows:
The image about the main menu of WordPress, one of the best platforms to create a blog.
Tickets
On this button, you can add new entries and view or edit the old ones.
Media
This is the image library, videos, and files in PDF that you have already uploaded on the blog.
pages
In this menu, you can add pages and view or edit existing ones. It can be used to create a page with your contact information, photos, among other content that is pertinent for your readers.
Comments
Access this option to manage your comments, approve or answer them.
Appearance
It serves to modify the appearance of the blog. In this menu, you can change the topic, the title and customize the menus.
Plugins.
In this option, you will see all the plugins that are installed on your blog, as well as you can also add new plugins or exclude them.
Users
If you want to add to other people to create tickets for your blog, this is the menu you should select. In it, you achieve “add new” and attribute the function of “collaborator”.
Security Council: A user who will only write messages must have the “collaborator” permit. So the entry will only be published with your approval.
Settings
Here you can find all the WordPress operation tools, such as language, the maximum number of tickets that will be displayed per page, and how the comments will work.
- Make the first entry
Following our tutorial on how to create a blog, the next step is to create your first entry.
In this topic, we will explain what each tool is and how it can be used to improve the experience of readers.
In the Tickets menu, select “Add new” and you will be directed to the follower
In the Tickets menu, select “Add new” and you will be directed to the next screen.
The image that shows how to add a new interface in WordPress, the best alternative to create a blog.
Qualification
In this area, you enter the title of your entry. Every time you write your content, reserve a time to think with love in the best option, because most users tend to read patterns in F, that is, after reading the title, only a quick look at the text to see if that content is interesting.
If the call does not instigate the curiosity of the visitor, you will not continue reading.
There is no unique formula for blogposts titles, but be careful not to choose too long text, since this hinders its visualization on mobile devices.
Another important suggestion: Avoid word games that require a piece of specific knowledge to understand what is written. Your title must be clear about the content that will be addressed in the text.
Content area
In this box you will build your text, typing directly or using a Word file, copying and picking up the content. Just be careful to stick it without format.
When you are writing, avoid very long text blocks. Ideally, each paragraph has 4 to 6 lines.
In this way, the text is easier to read and becomes aesthetically more enjoyable.
>> In this post, you will learn everything about how to write good web texts.
Toolbar: What is each icon
WordPress toolbar to create a text on the blog.
Add object
You use it to add photos, graphics, or videos to your text.
Select the “Add object” button and then you will have to choose an image of your base or upload it directly from your computer.
As is your first entry, you are likely to stay with the second option.
When choosing the images, select those with good resolution, well-cut, that you have produced them or are in the public domain, to avoid copyright problems.
Look at 5 options of free images banks to choose photos for your blog!
If you have made a screenshot or you are using an image of another website, remember to put the credits on the photo.
Paragraph
In this box, you select the format of the text.
The use of headers helps improve the scanability of the text and builds a hierarchy of information within the entrance.
B (bold)
It is a function identical to the word, which serves to highlight phrases in the text.
I (italics)
It is also used to highlight foreigners, a word used out of its natural context, or for quotation marks.
List with vignettes
Very useful to create lists within the text, as well:
Paragraph 1;
Paragraph 2;
Section 3.
Numbered list
Use it by writing a tutorial or any text format that has a chronological order. Look how you see:
Paragraph 1;
Paragraph 2;
Section 3.
Appointment
You use it when you want to introduce an appointment belonging to another person at the entrance.
Image showing an appointment illustration on the blog
Alignment of the text
Another functionality identical to Word, which should only be used if you want to give you a different format to the text. Our suggestion is to keep the text aligned in the way that most people read (from left to right), but other languages ask for a different alignment, which is the case of Mandarin and Arabic, for example.
It is worth remembering that it is not interesting to leave your justified text, as this makes it difficult to scan the text of the text on the web.
Links
The icon that represents a chain-link serves to make links in the text, directing your reader to other content inside or outside the blog.
To create a link, select the keyword related to the page you want to link, press the Insert Link button, paste the target URL and click Apply.
Whenever you put a link in the text, be attentive to select the “Open in another tab” option, so that the user stays at your entry for as long as possible.
How to add videos at your entrance
Add videos hosted on YouTube or Vimeo can complement your content and leave it even more complete.
To do this, choose the video you want to share.
The image about what you want to share on the blog.
In the Share option, select Insert.
Example of how to insert YouTube video in WordPress when creating a post on the blog.
Copy the code generated by YouTube (Ctrl + C).
Return to WordPress. On the “Text” button, choose the Fragment of the Text in which you want to insert the video and paste the code there (Ctrl + V). Go to the “Visual” version, check out your positioning, and be ready!
In Vimeo, choose the video and click Share, copy the encrusting link and repeat the rest of the procedure.
And remember to grab the attention of the user how many more formats besides the written, so videos, images, and audios to make your blog attractive and innovative.
SEO routine
For your blog has visibility need to be located at the top of the search. And even if you’re just starting now, but this goal!
If you installed the Yoast SEO plugin, it will be easier to optimize your text and make sure your content stands out as worthy.
Image of the menu Yoast WordPress tool to adjust SEO on a blogpost.
Yoast SEOAquí can select a keyword for your content, edit the way it appears in the search engines and write a meta description, among other optimizations.
Image showing analysis Yoast SEO blog
SEO’s analysis of the plugin analyzes your text to see if you agree with SEO best practices.
Keyword
Think searches people made in Google when searching for the information you’re focusing on your text. This is the suggestion to choose your keyword.
To choose good keywords, we recommend that you write your subject on Google search and see what you suggested. We also suggest using specialized tools such as Google Keyword Planner.
SEO title
Is the title that appears in the search result snippet. It may be different from the domestic title and must be striking and contain the keyword of your content.
The maximum number of characters is 67. If you have more than that, the title cut, which is not very good for attracting clicks.
Metadescription
This is the text that appears under your title in search engines. This description should have a maximum of 145 characters.
It is also recommended that you have the keyword or a similar term in the meta description.
slug
The slug is the address of the entry separated by script. The slug is like-win-money-with-blog-guide-complete.
The slug is automatically generated from the title of your post, but you can change it so it is not very long. Estate insurance containing the keyword text.
Outstanding image
The outstanding image distinction is made in the text, therefore, choose something consistent with the subject addressed and passing a professional image.
Interestingly, this is renamed with the keyword to improve the SEO score.
Tags
Although starting now, keep in mind the use of labels to identify your content. So when a reader searches the blog, you can find your content more easily.
This will be very useful, especially in the future, when you have multiple entries in your blog.
To post
After following all the above tips, is just press the “publish” and, congratulations: You just make your first entry!
If you do not feel complete security about their appearance, save the first draft text, look at the previous version in the “preview of the changes” check if the input is structured as wanted.
And if you want to be later released, you can also be programmed for a specific date and time.
Promote your blog
Creating a blog is just the first step.
Your mission from now is to attract readers to your page.
To do this you must do a job of multichannel dissemination, mainly on social networks.
Share the link to your posts on your profile Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, and where more is your target audience.
Join with other blogs to exchange guest tickets and send your texts to people who think they may be interested in the subject.
These measures require a little more work at the beginning but can bring expressive return visibility and, consequently, in attracting visitors.
In addition to attracting new readers, need to ensure that people come back to your blog.
And to achieve this have to focus on the quality of your content and help people solve their problems. When your readers perceive the value of deliveries in each post, they will become regular visitors and, over time, can become customers.
13 tips to have full content.
Start earning money with a blog
The best part of the blogger profession is the ability to generate passive income, ie, spend a few hours writing your content, but then you have the opportunity to earn money while in the air.
But creating content is not the only way to make money with your blog.
It may seem distant from the reality of who is starting, but if you follow the tips we will share then so can earn money working at home recurring.
Paid advertising
The growth of your blog organically requires a lot of effort and patience, so the ads are an alternative to accelerate the growth of your business. To publish ads on your blog you need to be registered in Google Adsense, which is a Google advertising program.
After registering, you will receive a commission whenever your readers click on the advertising banner on display on your page. It is important to be careful not to show too many ads and hinder user experience.
Sponsored entries
The sponsored entry is a text commissioned by a company so that you recommend the product or service they offer.
It works in a similar way to affiliate marketing, with the difference that you just desire for the sponsored entrance when you publish it.
Despite being a type of advertising, your sponsored entries must follow the same editorial line as the rest of your blog texts so that your audience perceives that content as something genuine.
Be careful when recommending products, and choose only those you know and trust, not to lose credibility before your reader.
Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing works as follows: The affiliate promotes the product of an entrepreneur/company in exchange for a commission for each sale made. But for this model to work, you need to select products that are related to the subject approached in your blog and that are aligned with the interests of your buyer persona.
Choose a good affiliate program
Several companies offer affiliate programs, whether physical or digital products. You must investigate a lot before choosing yours, to make sure your work will be well rewarded. The values of the commissions range between 4 and 8% of the total sales, but in Hotmart, a platform specialized in digital products, this commission can reach even 80%.
Types of promotion
In addition to the sale of products, there are several affiliate programs formats. The affiliate can negotiate the cost per click and earn money every time someone clicks on an advertising banner. Another option is to negotiate the cost per thousand impressions, which is a value paid by the advertiser every time the announcement reaches a thousand visualizations.
Create an online course
If you still do not work as a digital producer, this is an excellent opportunity to start, since you already have deep knowledge on the subject and an audience interested in the content you share.
The online course is an attractive business model since it does not require much investment at the beginning and is scalable. Once your product is in the air, you have the possibility of generating income without increasing your operating costs.
Here, on the blog, we have a complete tutorial that explains how to create an online video course. Take advantage and take a look at that content after finishing here.
Conclusion
Well then, if you have reached here you have already managed to create a blog, and you are about to start!
Remember that the first step has already been given it. From now on, it depends on you to create high-quality content that continues to bring people to your page.
If you are interested in becoming a professional blogger and capturing attention with your texts, read also copywriting: what it is and how to learn to create texts that sell
This post was originally published in January 2018 and was updated to contain more accurate and complete information.
